"I’m worried that my 8-year-old is just an a-hole."
and other selected secrets/sparkles
remember, in this context:
secrets are the shadowy things that we want to share but might be tempted to hide because of shame/fear/social obligations.
sparkles are the things that make you feel most alive - little moments of joy/satisfaction/contentment that you wish you could bottle up.
click here to submit your own secrets/sparkles anonymously anytime.
loosely defined themes: coworker crushes, switching paths, hope
secrets
My sibling has no idea that we don’t have the same father. I put the pieces together and I know exactly who their real dad is. But I’ll never tell them, our mom needs to be the one to share that info. They’re still my sibling regardless of who their dad is.
Told my toxic job that I’m leaving and I have no plan now. Terrified about what that means.
My partner cheated on me and I don’t know if I can ever forgive him.
I love my husband but sometimes I think life could be easier if I was single. Expectations and all.
My best friend never comes to see me and I resent having to go to her when I’m super allergic to her cats.
I just started a new job and feel completely lost. Imposter syndrome sucks.
I don’t like my daughter’s boyfriend and hope they break up.
I’m falling in love with my neighbor.
I wish I had come out sooner so I wouldn’t have to now in my 30s.
I’m scared that I am unlovable.
I’ve decided I really want a baby but now isn’t the right time for my husband and myself and it kills me.
I know I had to break up with him but I don’t think I have the resources to live alone.
My mother-in-law ignores me so I stopped making any effort to make her comfortable.
I keep on relapsing. But I’ll keep on trying.
I’m 33 & still don’t know what I want to do in life & that terrifies me.
I feel like a failure for being triggered so much after two years of trauma work.
I’m still in love with my high-school boyfriend.
I love my married coworker so much I won’t act but like ouch.
Everyone thinks I’m popular but no one actually invites me to stuff.
I want to go no contact with family members for their political beliefs but I’m scared.
My boyfriend ended things last week and I feel guilty for not feeling sadness but relief.
Massive crush on a sorta coworker but he just started dating someone.
I’m not the parent I envisioned I would be. Parenting gets harder and harder as they get older.
A small part of me wants society to collapse so we can have a reset.
I want a lavender marriage, but just to have health insurance so I can quit my job & get my MA.
I’m closing my business this week & don’t even care cause other bigger shit is happening.
We are opening our marriage to poly. I have a new lover, and it’s so exciting.
Got an IUD and the cramping is making me extremely dysphoric and sad.
I hate my housemates and I’m scared it’s ruining my relationship.
I don’t know how to grieve my 2 year relationship.
I am so tired of carrying the mental load - kids, house, family. It’s too much for me.
My partner is in the hospital for mental health issues rn.
My dad died six years ago and I sometimes wish people will coddled me about it.
My ex died 2 yrs ago and I just found out. I’m heartbroken.
I feel so empty inside.
I’m participating in a sex toy study and I’m SO excited.
I would be so relieved if my abusive father in law suddenly died.
Was fired on Monday, secretly relieved that I didn’t have to quit on my own.
I ADORE my kids but sometimes mourn the life I could have had if we stayed child free.
Bought a secret vape bc I can do what I want! And. I know it’s bad but let me have a phase!
I lowkey want to see my ex again to tell him just how awful he was to me (it’s been years.
I have a crush for the first time in years but I’m too scared to do anything about it.
I’ve never wanted children but my brother had a baby girl recently and I love her so much. I’m completely reconsidering and feel so confused now!
My sister should not marry her fiance.
I want to shake my brother and ask him ‘why are you such an asshole???’
I hate my husband’s family so much and I want to take my kids and move us far from them.
I’m really struggling with an eating disorder and it feels like I’ll never get better.
Ended a friendship of 17 years and feel so much relief.
I’m planning a night out on the town to surprise my friend who just passed his exams for his PhD!
It’s getting unbearable to live with my very right leaning family.
I’m think I’m finally ready to leave my boyfriend.
I have *literally* the best life and ye I ask if there could be more. I think I’m bad for that.
Feeling huge pressure about a career move and a *lot* of self-doubt re: if I can pull it off.
I got fired today and I’m scared to tell anyone.
Someone stole my parking spot so I key’d their car.
sparkles
My toddler’s birthday party was today and I’m so grateful for so many who <3 my little guy.
For years I’ve been asking drs for a hysterectomy & I’m finally getting it next week!
I’ve been able to read as I feel my mental health slipping - it helps!
My daughter (5) just had 16 days off school and for once, I’ve loved every minute of it.
Homemade cappuccino in the bath while the kids giggle and sing.
Spent yesterday singing show tunes with a high school theatre friend while working on a puzzle.
I quit a job that I hate to go back to a job I love!
I’ve been baking! And it’s not terrible.
My baby is 19 months old and I am finally feeling the fog lifting! And now want another.
This past week I have felt like a whole new person & idk why but I love this me.
Had brunch with friends for the first time in years, starting to come out of survival mode.
Mom’s here to help me.
I start therapy for the first time ever on Tuesday and I’m SO excited.
Planning my third trip with my boyfriend! Florida here we come!
I went on a first date last night that was so fun and amazing. I haven’t felt this way in years.
My walks are getting longer and I’m getting hopeful.
My sister and I are finally putting the effort into healing our relationship. I really missed her.
My fertility treatment is looking slightly more hopeful this cycle.
Been on anxiety meds for about 2 months now and I feel so much better.
Took a joyful movement walk today.
I went skiing alone (it was something I always used to do with my ex)
Last day of vacation, It’s raining in the rainforest, I’m eating a mango smoothie bowl.
Thrifted a ring holder shaped like a worm. It’s a ring worm.
Buying birthday presents for my sister and my best friend.
I eloped a week ago!
I just got the remote job that I wanted! Now I can live close to my loved ones.
Someone told me I look happy..and you know what? I am.
My 5 month old slept 10.5 hours last night.
We got a rescue dog and she’s such a good girl.
Took my 2 month old on a hike along a creek and sat by a waterfall.
My baby started laughing.
Hooking up with the girl I haven’t seen since the summer!! It was amazing!!
I’m in loooooooooove :)
My son took his first steps today!
I actually had a good day at work (hospital job)
Dumped my bf and now going to have sex with a stranger.
Submitted my 4th grad school application today. Only one more to go!
I have 6 concerts planned so far this year!!!
Back in town and hanging with my gf after over a week apart!!
I went to my first book swap this morning and made some bookish friends.
Celebrated 1 year with my sweet boyfriend on the 1st of the year.
BF and I have a cat adoption appointment for next weekend!
I decided today I am looking for a new job this year. Time to get paid what I’m worth.
In December I prioritized myself in some new and big ways and I started 2025 medicated (so helpful for the chaos that is January) and with a scholarship to a year long writing course!
I got sterilized electively this week at age 20!! My surgeon was incredible.
Love,
Becca